Cairo Attractions

Venue: Egyptian Museum    When: Daily

Although an incredible amount of Ancient Egyptian remains appear to have migrated across the world, appropriated on somewhat dubious credentials by the nations who funded the vast sweep of digs in the 19th century, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo has managed to keep hold of some of the country's finest treasures. Now a century old, even more treasures have been dug up from its bowels for viewing.

A labyrinthine display of often unlabelled exhibits, the museum's collection is impossible to see in its entirety - better to focus on the outstanding pieces that have made the museum's name.

The obvious highlight is the extensive exhibit of items from the tomb of boy pharaoh Tutankhamun, which covers a large area of the second floor. Famous both for the mysterious curse surrounding the tomb and for the beauty of the pieces therein, Tutankhamun's funereal adornments are certainly stunning. The gold and lapis-lazuli burial mask and the massive gold outer coffin in particular are unrivalled.

Other interesting items on show include a series from the reign of Akhenaten, who attempted to turn the Egyptian religion into a monotheistic faith, as well as a selection of mummified corpses (ranging from small birds to pharaohs) for the more gruesomely minded visitor.

An essential stop for any visitor to Cairo, the museum provides a fantastic focus on the wide spectrum of the Ancient Egyptian culture - just don't expect to see everything on your first visit.